Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Packages Sent to National Guard Prove Harmless

Anti-war CDs among the contents of deliveries to facilities in 36 states

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Dec 17, 2008 3:58 PM CST
Email

(Newser) – Suspicious packages sent to National Guard and Reserve sites in 36 states turned out to be harmless expressions of First Amendment rights, federal officials say. Though initial reports suggested they contained white power, anti-war CDs were the featured delivery, the AP reports. The FBI says the packages—some postmarked from Tennessee and Oklahoma—are unrelated to letters recently sent to US embassies and governors’ offices.

“It doesn’t appear that we have a problem,” a National Guard spokesman says. Among the 15 letters that reached US embassies in Europe last week, 14 contained white substances that tested harmless. Results for the last letter are pending. Governors’ offices have also received 40 Texas-postmarked letters containing an unspecified note, but no dangerous toxins.

A fire captain is decontaminated after retrieving an envelope suspected of containing a hazardous material Friday from the Nevada state mailroom.
A fire captain is decontaminated after retrieving an envelope suspected of containing a hazardous material Friday from the Nevada state mailroom.   (AP Photo)
A package labeled anthrax sits on a counter at the photo desk of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer last month.
A package labeled "anthrax" sits on a counter at the photo desk of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer last month.   (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

It doesn't appear that
we have a problem.
- Mike Allen, National Guard spokesman

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Guv letter contains cornstarch
Des Moines Register

Watch RI package response
WPRI.com

400 evacuated in Utah scare
Salt Lake Tribune

 
National Guard • threats • US Embassy • anthrax • Governor's office • suspicious package

More Newser Stories

Powder Mailed to Journal , Dershowitz Is Harmless
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne